New Smyrna Beach's Evan Geiselman is carried off the beach Tuesday after winning the men's portion of the Florida Pro at Sebastian Inlet. He also won the Beach 'N Boards contest in Cocoa Beach last spring. Andrew Nichols / WSL

The lyrics of Neil Diamonds’ “Sweet Caroline,” could not have served as a more appropriate encore after 15 year-old Melbourne Beach native Caroline Marks paddled to the beach after winning her first WSL women’s QS 6000 Tuesday afternoon at the Florida Pro.

Marks, who won every heat en route to her first QS victory during the 6-day contest at Sebastian Inlet, “Where it all began for her just seven short years ago,” put on a final round performance that not only brought her parents to tears, but the hometown crowd to their feet.

This win will not only now put her in a solid point position for the women’s QS ranking, but ultimately proved that she will be a threat as the WSL’s newest 2018 rookie on the women’s championship tour.

“This is definitely the best moment of my life,” said Marks. “I am so happy and stoked to start off the year this way.”

“My brothers used to tease me when they heard this song, but now I think I have a greater appreciation for it,” she laughed.

Marks, was able to hold off Western Australia’s Bronte Macualay, 12.67 to 6.20, using her knowledge of her hometown break combined with her deadly backhand maneuvers. In the semis, she ousted number one QS women’s seed, Hawaiian Tatiana Weston-Webb. Macaulay and Marks respectively put up the best two- wave combined heat totals of the event during earlier rounds, over 17 points.

Melbourne Beach's Caroline Marks carves up a wave during Tuesday's final rounds of the Ron Jon Florida Pro presented by Sunshine State Florida Lager. Marks, 15, claimed the title at hometown break, Sebastian Inlet.(Photo: John Ferguson / WSL)

On the men’s side, New Smyrna Beach’s Evan Geiselman, the current number one ranked North American top ranked QS seed, won the QS1500 contest. It was his third QS win.

“I am thrilled to have won this, and happy to be back home in Florida again.”

Knowing that he needed a 7.76 score with just under three minutes left in the heat to gain the lead,

Geiselman found a right that earned him the needed score; an 8.87.

Though Marshall, who had priority, opted to take the left on the split peak situation to solidify his lead, he fell just short, earning a 7.10.

New Smyrna Beach's Evan Geiselman is carried off the beach Tuesday after winning the men's portion of the Florida Pro at Sebastian Inlet. He also won the Beach 'N Boards contest in Cocoa Beach last spring.(Photo: Andrew Nichols / WSL)

“Though I surfed well throughout the event, I felt I was making a lot of errors during this heat on my strategy, so I am really fortunate to have pulled off this win,” added Geiselman.”

“Surfing can be like chess, and I am lucky. Jake surfed awesome and really made me work for this one.”

Geiselman and Marks earned $10k and $11k respectively for their wins.

The final day of the event Wednesday will feature an exhibition surfing contest entitled “Champions and Icons,” including event director Matt Kechle, Todd Holland, Corey and Shea Lopez and twins, CJ and Damien Hobgood and more. For details visit FloridaProSurf.com.